The types of sexual activity of women and their sexual satisfaction, mental health and quality of relationships: A literature review

Penile-vaginal intercourse, masturbation, anal sex and oral sex may influence women’s sexual satisfaction, mental health and quality of relationships. This article is a review of the literature that critically investigates how the type of sexual activity affects these aspects of women’s lives.

Methods: A search of electronic databases and scholarly journals resulted in identifying English language studies on the association between the type of sexual activity of women and their sexual satisfaction, depression and quality of relationships. All studies were evaluated regarding predefined criteria.

Result: Some studies report that women, who have more frequent penile-vaginal intercourse, have higher levels of sexual satisfaction and psychological health, have lower levels of stress and are less likely to develop symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Other research has reported that compared with those who regularly do not report having experienced a non-coital orgasm, women who reach orgasm by masturbation have a positive and fulfilling experience, experience Higher levels of sexual pleasure and are more expressive in their relationships. More frequent anal intercourse has been reported to be remarkably associated with relationship dissatisfaction. In addition, it has been revealed that women who engage in oral sex are less likely to experience hypoactive sexual desire disorder are more likely to experience orgasm and have a higher number of lifetime partners. Women have reported a variety of reasons for consenting to engage in anal or oral sex. On the other hand, some studies have reported no association between the type of sexual activity and sexual satisfaction, mental health and relationship satisfaction of women. Other studies; however, have reported that masturbation interferes with the partners’ relationship, prevents women from experiencing orgasm during penile-vaginal intercourse is associated with mental health problems and accounts for lower relationship and sexual satisfaction.

Conclusion: Mixed findings have been reported in the literature regarding the association between the type of sexual activity of women and their sexual satisfaction, mental health and quality of relationships. Since there has been a lack of consensus in the literature, it is suggested that additional future research is required.